From the Editor’s Desk

As we move deeper into the growing season, this week’s edition brings you essential insights and timely updates to help navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. From understanding how vegetable growers are integrating sustainable practices through our latest producer survey findings to exploring practical solutions for pest management and soil health, we’ve compiled resources that speak directly to the diverse needs of Indiana’s agricultural community.

This issue highlights the power of learning from one another, featuring upcoming educational opportunities including Purdue’s Small Farm Education Field Day in July, the new Cut Flower Tour series launching statewide, and registration reminders for specialized field days focusing on mechanical weed control and fruit and vegetable production. We also want to emphasize the final call for registration at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC) Field Day, located in Indiana’s premier watermelon-growing region, where specialty crops meet cutting-edge agricultural innovation—an event that showcases how research and Extension priorities are evolving to meet modern agriculture’s changing demands. We also address current environmental conditions affecting your operations, from the hazy skies caused by Saharan dust storms and Canadian wildfire smoke to the early arrival of hurricane season and its potential impact on regional weather patterns.

For those dealing with immediate field challenges, you’ll find targeted guidance on beneficial insects like soldier beetles that can help control cabbage aphids, summer cover crop strategies to improve soil health and manage weeds, and our insect spotlight on cabbage loopers to help you identify and address this migrating pest. Whether you’re a small-scale grower exploring cut flower production or managing large vegetable operations, this week’s content offers practical, research-backed information to support your success throughout the season.